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Kona Lotttery Winner Says "Just Do It"

A first-time Kona Lottery applicant looks back on one of the most memorable races of her life.

by Carrie Barrett

Beth Bluestein has a piece of advice for those who haven't yet signed up for the Kona IRONMAN Lottery. Just do it.

Bluestein, 44, was rejected from the ING New York Marathon three years in a row, but got into the 2013 IRONMAN World Championship on her first and only try. "If the thought of signing up for the lottery has even crossed your mind, go for it," she says.

The Atlanta, Ga. resident remembers registering for the lottery when it first opened, but it slipped her mind until April 14th, 2013 when she received the email notifying her of her selection. Bluestein's first reaction was one of doubt—she didn't want to get too excited until she confirmed the news. And then, friends began to email and call. She had planned on taking 2013 off from the IRONMAN distance (she competed in IRONMAN Arizona 2011 and IRONMAN Louisville in 2012), but clearly the Kona gods had other plans for her. She was heading to the Big Island.

This year marked Bluestein's first trip to Hawaii and she relished the chance to meet fellow lottery winners and rub elbows with celebrities like Chrissie Wellington and Craig Alexander. "Kona was built for that one magical week," she says. "I was in awe of the beautiful surroundings, the energy of the town around this race, and the friendliness of the locals."

Come race day, one would think she would be incredibly nervous to race at the world championship, but Bluestein wasn't nervous at all. "There was a definite sense of community and kinship among the participants," she recalls. For many, it was a victory lap after months of hard work and dedication.

To this first-time competitor, the swim was like being in a huge aquarium. Bluestein joked that she was secretly hoping the swim-up coffee bar would be at the turnaround point on race day—just like it had been during the weekday practice swims.

And Kona wouldn't be Kona without wind. Bluestein recalls the so-called "downhills," where she was pedaling with all her might just to stay upright. Those last 20 miles on the bike were certainly memorable, but she knew with each pedal stroke she was getting closer and closer to Ali'i Drive.

The marathon was her favorite leg, as it gave her the chance to see many of the friends she had met through the week. She was able to see and cheer for IRONMAN celebrities including Hines Ward, Gordon Ramsey and, of course, the professionals. This is when it truly sunk in for her. "It was during the marathon that I realized how lucky I was to be out here with the best in the world."

Needless to say, it's an experience that has changed Bluestein's life forever. "I know that I could never qualify for Kona, so winning the lottery was a dream come true for me," she says. "As soon as they put that wristband on, no one cared how I got there. I instantly became part of the Kona family."